We’re back to sun-kissed days and raw nights at LEAD Movement because we believe nothing feeds the spirit better than expanding your comfort zone to the great outdoors. Inviting you to trail with us through the jagged hills of the northeastern towns in Ilocos Norte. Expect primeval trails and nothing else but nature at most parts. Bring your own gear and ride your own 4WDs. But there will be great food as you wish. That is why we’ve nicknamed the adventure LEAD FXD for food and drive.

We did the adventure ourselves. Check out the photos at Sidaga (Burgos), Tadao (Pasuquin), Solcok, Tamdagan and Vintar Dam (Vintar). The chilly temperature in Sidaga makes it the best spot to spend the night, even in the midst of summer. Solcok Falls is not too far from the route. The boys explored the cave through the mammoth rock with hand-carved steps that are estimated to be more than half a century old.

The Laoag Eco-Adventure Development Movement (LEAD) in partnership with Project 101 and the Northwestern University Ecotourism Park and Botanic Gardens is holding a summer ecological conservation camp for kids, ages 5 and up, on April 25- 27.

The NU Botanic Gardens is the ideal camp out venue because it is a living museum of more than 1,400 native plant species. It has a butterfly sanctuary, a grass-covered lawn and tree-shaded grounds, as well as comfort and indoor facilities. The 2 and a half-day fun event includes outdoor adventure activities, basic life support techniques (in case of emergencies), arts and crafts, astronomy, dish gardening and culinary with the experts.

Camp for Earth aims to empower the kids to get out of their comfort zones, embrace the outdoors and adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle.

The father of the Laoag Eco-Adventure Development Movement (LEAD), Reny Tan, presents a sandboard to the Mayor of Laoag City, Hon. Mayor Chevylle V. Fariñas. It was in Ilocos Norte’s capital, Laoag City, on its indigenous rolling sand dunes, that the rising culture of sandboarding was born.

The board sport on sand innovated by the LEAD Movement in Barangay La Paz is attracting tourists from all over the country and across the globe. It has since been featured internationally (in shows like NBC’s Today) and was listed in top global travel guide books such as Lonely Planet, Rough Guides and the first edition of Insight Guides.

Ilocos Sand Boarding by the LEAD Movement is turning five on August 2 this year.

Young Ilocano artist MJ Ruiz was commissioned by LEAD Movement to do the artwork.

The Laoag Eco-Adventure Development Movement, more popularly referred to as LEAD, which started a new culture of adventure in the Ilocos tourism scene via its sandboarding and 4×4 ride offering in the Laoag Sand Dunes, or La Paz, is honored to be globally recognized and listed in Lonely Planet and Rough Guide guidebooks.

Before the rainy season arrived, the LEAD Movement was blessed with the opportunity to tell their humble story of pioneering the Ilocos Norte tourism mainstay in the Philippines — sandboarding and off-roading in the distinct rolling sand dunes of La Paz, Laoag — via Reuters, the international news provider.

How the LEAD Movement wish Benny Arce left us later, just a little later to watch himself tell the world his dream as a LEADer. Benny Arce passed away in the early hours of May 15. Please watch the video and say a little prayer for the fine guy.

LEAD Movement Executive Direstor Benny Arce said: “It would be nice to be called, the Laoag as the sand boarding capital of the Philippines. And maybe we can’t claim that for the whole world, maybe we could say, one of the best in the world.”

It will be remembered that Manong Benny Arce worked so hard for a sand adventure park blueprint that was submitted to both the provincial and local governments. After one full term, we never got an answer from the leaders.

I quote young LEADer Ericke Tan, “TitoBenny Arce, your memory lives in every sand board track, every foot print and in every grain of sand in La Paz.”

Meet the members of LEAD {pronounced leed [and not led], as in affect, move, induce, motivate, influence, guide, spur, bring on, introduce, trail-blaze, etc.}. The acronym stands for Laoag Eco-Adventure Development Movement, or the X men, as in extreme, eccentric folks, synonymous to the irrelevantly relevant or relevantly irrelevant adventure group, whatever floats your boat.

The eight-year old organization had a post-holiday reunion the other day. Passing through several bouts of disbombar-ment (reminiscent of pitos and Rebollido LOL), we have increased in size, horizontally and vertically. In his element was Boyet Leano (who has left a mark in Adams by naming a picturesque spot “Lover’s Peak” and in case you’re interested to know his raison d’être, he was imagining two rolling tires, that was before Lukas Magnus came into existence.). Marc and Jona acclimatized to the wild recollection of historic moments. What else is more heinous than wearing leather office shoes to Mt. Pulag’s summit? I guess claiming ownership to a fleet of aircrafts — the minutes of the non-meeting meeting, for the perusal of the rest of the LEADers.

The photos and text may not be used in any form without prior permission by the LEAD Movement. Just please put a link. Thank you.

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Wake up, Ilocos feature on sandboarding and the first sandboarding competition in the Philippines

Be aware…

Ilocos Norte is not just about old churches and landmarks that bespeak its rich history. It is also proud of its abundant natural wealth – pristine beaches and untouched forests that host a high amount of biodiversity. Help save this wealth for the coming generations to enjoy.